AFL: Tasmanian team continues to grow as it hunts its newest staff

The growth of Tasmania’s AFL team will reach a key point in its inception when two major roles are filled in the coming months. Here’s what’s in the pipeline.

Kathryn McCann board member of Tasmania Football Club. Tasmania Football Club first Community Event at Queenstown Football Club. Picture: Jasper Da Seymour

Tasmania Football Club executive director Kath McCann believes the next staffing appointments will be “critical” ahead of the club’s launch in March.

The AFL’s newest team advertised two new positions earlier this week as it aims to bolster its marketing and media department.

The appointments of a marketing manager and a marketing and content co-ordinator would take the number of full-time staff to four.

McCann, who was made the inaugural executive director back in December, said both roles would be crucial in delivering on the club’s goals.

“The club’s business plan has a strong focus on community and fan engagement and these roles are key to delivering on the plan,” McCann said.

“The club is looking for candidates with strong experience and a great understanding and appreciation of what the club is trying to achieve.

“We are looking for candidates that want to be a part of something special, that love bringing brands to life and are committed to working alongside the community to create a club all Tasmanians are proud of.

“These appointments are critical to our March launch program, so we are moving very quickly to find the right candidates. Further appointments will be considered as the year moves forward.”

Jack Riewoldt is already playing a key role for the new team. Picture: Chris Kidd

Having already hired three-time Richmond premiership star Jack Riewoldt as the club’s ambassador, McCann said further staffing appointments could come after the club’s official launch.

“The board is focused on launching the club, this is the key driver of these two roles being recruited for,” she said.

“We will review how that goes by mid-year and what we require, staff wise, as the rest of the year progresses.”

It’s been a busy few months for the AFL’s incoming franchise with Riewoldt leading a team around Tasmania for a number of community events.

Alongside former North Melbourne and Collingwood AFLW player Abby Green, the pair have travelled the state to canvas ideas from the public.

Following Sunday’s session in Launceston, Riewoldt said the club would be “silly” not to look at the success of the Tasmania JackJumpers in the NBL as a blueprint of how to launch an elite sporting team in the Apple Isle.

Applications for both positions close later this month.

Originally published as AFL: Tasmanian team continues to grow as it hunts its newest staff